A stye is a common, often painful, red bump that forms on the eyelid, resembling a pimple or boil. This swelling is typically caused by a bacterial infection of an oil gland within the eyelid, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most frequent culprit. While usually not serious, styes can cause discomfort, swelling, and tearing. Contact lenses can indeed contribute to the formation of styes.
How Contact Lenses Increase Stye Risk
Contact lenses can elevate the risk of styes primarily through the introduction and proliferation of bacteria. Poor hand hygiene is a significant factor; touching lenses with unwashed hands can transfer bacteria directly to the eye and eyelid area. This contamination can then lead to an infection of the small oil glands at the base of the eyelashes or within the eyelid, resulting in a stye.
Improper lens care further exacerbates this risk. Reusing old contact lens solution, not cleaning and disinfecting reusable lenses thoroughly, or failing to replace lenses according to the recommended schedule can allow bacteria to build up on the lens surface and in the lens case. When these contaminated lenses are placed on the eye, they can introduce harmful bacteria, leading to an infection. Extended wear of contact lenses, particularly sleeping in them, creates a warm, moist environment under the lens that is conducive to bacterial growth, increasing the likelihood of a stye.
Physical irritation from contact lenses can also play a role. Lenses that are ill-fitting, damaged, or have accumulated debris can rub against the eyelid, potentially blocking the small oil glands. When these glands become clogged, bacteria can get trapped inside, leading to inflammation and infection, which manifests as a stye.
Preventing and Managing Styes
Preventing styes when wearing contact lenses centers on strict hygiene and proper lens care. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling contact lenses to avoid transferring bacteria to your eyes. Using fresh, unexpired contact lens solution each time you clean and store your lenses is also important, as reusing old solution can introduce contaminants.
Adhering to the recommended replacement schedule for your contact lenses is important; daily disposables, for instance, reduce bacterial buildup. Avoid extended wear, especially sleeping in contact lenses, as this encourages bacterial growth. Regularly clean your contact lens case and replace it every two to three months.
If a stye develops, temporarily discontinuing contact lens use is generally recommended to prevent further irritation, worsening the infection, or spreading bacteria to the other eye. Switching to glasses during this period allows the eye to heal. Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, several times a day, can help reduce swelling and encourage the stye to drain naturally. If a stye worsens, doesn’t improve after a few days, affects your vision, or recurs frequently, seeking professional medical attention from an eye care specialist is advisable.